Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient health care tradition that has been practised in India for at least 5,000 years. The word comes from the Sanskrit terms Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge).

Though Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic medicine, was documented in the sacred historical texts known as the Vedas many centuries ago, Ayurveda has evolved over the years and is now integrated with other traditional practices, including yoga.

Ayurveda is widely practised on the Indian subcontinent — more than 90 per cent of Indians use some form of Ayurvedic medicine, according to the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing — and the tradition has gained popularity in the Western world, though it’s still considered an alternative medical treatment.

What Is Ayurveda?:

The name “Ayurveda” is derived from two words in Sanskrit, “ayuh” meaning “life” or “longevity” and “Veda” meaning “science” or “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda’s definition therefore roughly translates as “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.” At its root, Ayurveda is a holistic tradition and way of living that can help each of us to claim and celebrate our capacity for wellness.

Ayurveda can help us:

Sync up with our truest inner nature

Honour and develop our strengths

Hone in on our challenge areas

Redirect detrimental tendencies

Maintain balance in the face of adversity

In other words, Ayurveda is not simply about taking a herbal formula and waiting for the results. Instead, Ayurveda encourages you to be an active participant in your own journey toward healing. This involves learning about your relationship with the elements and the unique combinations they create called doshas, which we will explore below. First, let’s take a look at Ayurveda’s background.

Principles of Ayurveda:

Health care is a highly individualized practice under Ayurvedic principles, which state that everyone has a specific constitution, or prakruti, that determines his or her physical, physiologic and mental character and disease vulnerability, according to Dr Bala Manyam, a neurologist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Pitta Dosha

Energy is linked to fire and is thought to control the digestive and endocrine systems. People with pitta energy are considered fiery in temperament, intelligent and fast-paced. When pitta energy is out of balance, ulcers, inflammation, digestive problems, anger, heartburn and arthritis can result.

Vata Dosha

Energy is associated with air and space and is linked to bodily movement, including breathing and blood circulation. Vata energy is said to predominate in people who are lively, creative, original thinkers. When out-of-balance, vata types can endure joint pain, constipation, dry skin, anxiety and other ailments.

Kapha Dosha

Energy, linked to earth and water, is believed to control growth and strength and is associated with the chest, torso and back. Kapha types are considered strong and solid in the constitution, and generally calm in nature. But obesity, diabetes, sinus problems, insecurity and gallbladder issues can result when Kapha energy is out of balance, according to Ayurvedic practitioners.

According to Ayurvedic beliefs, factors such as stress, unhealthy diet, weather and strained relationships can all influence the balance that exists between a person’s doshas. These unbalanced energies in turn leave individuals more susceptible to disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The Five Elements

Ayurveda recognizes five elements as the fundamental building blocks of nature:

Earth

Water

Fire

Air

Ether (Space)

Every substance contains all five of these elements. That said, in a given substance, one or two elements are typically predominant over the others.

Benefits of Ayurveda

Ayurveda has been a part of the life of the people of India since the dawn of civilization and in recent years, Western culture has also embraced the procedure of holistic healing of the patient’s mind, body and spirit. Often called the “Science of Life”, Ayurveda has various physical and mental benefits that help in improving the overall quality of life. Usually, a lot of people get severely affected by Loneliness that leads to mental disorders.

Boosting Immunity

The immune system is the natural defence mechanism of the body that helps in fighting disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurvedic home remedies use a multitude of herbs and oils that are mixed together to create tonics that improves appetite and strengthen the body’s defence system.

Purifying the Body

Purging the body of toxins and maintaining it at the proper balance is the basic aim of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic medicines and tonics promote thorough cleansing from within in order to improve overall health. Panchakarma is the most effective cleansing Ayurvedic treatment.

Complete Healing

The herb preparations administered by the Ayurvedic practitioner help in healing diseases from the root along with its symptoms. The treatments also involve lifestyle changes and an increase in physical activities.

Relieving Stress

Stress is one of the major reasons of poor health and the tonics, therapies and massages involved in Ayurvedic treatment helps in relieving stress and enhancing physical well-being by balancing the mood and bringing about a harmony between the soul and the body.

Maintaining Overall Balance

One of the greatest benefits of Ayurvedic treatment is that it helps to achieve an overall balance of energies in the body. The body is affected by the accumulation of toxins and Ayurveda helps in cleansing and removing these impurities.

Ayurvedic treatments List:

Panchakarma – Rejuvenating Detox

Daily warm oil massage (abhyanga)

Herbal steam therapy (swedana)

Lymphatic massage.

Herbal enemas (basti)

Nasal administrations (nasya)

Complete Healing

The herb preparations administered by the Ayurvedic practitioner help in healing diseases from the root along with its symptoms. The treatments also involve lifestyle changes and an increase in physical activities.

Relieving Stress

Stress is one of the major reasons of poor health and the tonics, therapies and massages involved in Ayurvedic treatment helps in relieving stress and enhancing physical well-being by balancing the mood and bringing about a harmony between the soul and the body.